Welcome to the San Juan National Forest

San Juan National Forest encompasses about 1.8 million acres in the southwestern corner of Colorado. Terrain ranges from high-desert mesas to alpine peaks, with thousands of miles of back roads and hundreds of miles of trails to explore. These federal lands are managed for multiple uses and visitors are asked to respect each other and the natural resources. The San Juan National Forest Headquarters is located in Durango, Colorado, with district offices in Bayfield, Dolores and Pagosa Springs.

Discover the Forest

Come and enjoy the natural splendor of the San Juan Mountains and your public lands!

Know Before You Go

COVID Updates: Focus on recreating safely while protecting yourself, Forest Service employees and our volunteers.  Trails, trailheads and general forest areas will remain accessible for public use. Current Fire Restrictions: Fire Restrictions lifted Oct. 28, 2020

Road Conditions

Check out the up-to-date Forest Road conditions and surrounding mountain passes.

Interactive Visitor Map

Explore recreation opporunities, fire activity and more on our interactive visitor map. 

Passes and Permits

Check out our annual Recreation Pass options. Determine if your trip requires any forest product, recreation or other permits.

Know Before you Go

Brush up on your forest knowledge, regulations and more before your trip.

Spotlights

Wetland Restoration Work: Rare wetlands, such as the Grasshopper Fen, create unique ecosystems and take thousands of years to develop. In 2019, SJNF workers helped rehabilitate this damaged high elevation Fen.

Recent News

• Pagosa Ranger District Plans Prescribed Fire for Late April

  Release Date: Apr 9, 2021  

• McPhee boat ramp opening April 17th; House Creek boat ramp to open May 1

  Release Date: Apr 1, 2021